Camping around Morristown puts visitors in the heart of northern New Jersey's highlands, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet throughout the region. The area features deciduous forests dominated by oak and maple trees that create dense shade in summer months and vibrant foliage displays from late September through October. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F while summer brings 70-85°F days with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At Jenny Jump State Forest, trails lead to impressive viewpoints with minimal crowds. "High up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," notes Jocelyn G. The forest offers both casual walks and more challenging terrain for experienced hikers.
Water activities on clear lakes: Round Valley State Park Campground provides access to pristine waters ideal for swimming and paddling. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," shares James R. Visitors can rent kayaks and SUPs at the main office.
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot native wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. "We had a great time. Only issue was a skunk that visited our campsite multiple times in one night. Was not afraid of humans," reports Colleen C. from her stay at Panther Lake.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Great Divide Campground offers spacious individual sites among the trees. "The sites could be very close depending upon where u go. We had r6 and we had neighbor on one side. If the other spot was occupied then it might be a little too close for us. But there are some other sites that def are separate," notes Julie in her review.
Clean facilities: Stokes State Forest maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "Facilities were clean and stocked so no complaints there," writes Josh S. The forest's multiple camping areas each offer different amenity levels, from primitive sites to cabins with electricity.
Free water activities: Many campers appreciate the complimentary boat use at select locations. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," writes Jojo P. about Great Divide Campground. These amenities provide substantial value, especially for families camping on a budget.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: The region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a reviewer at Stokes State Forest. Most campgrounds require food to be stored in vehicles overnight.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. "Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," mentions Jojo P. about Great Divide. This topography provides scenic camping but may challenge those with mobility issues.
Weather variability: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "Even though we had a rainy day, we still enjoyed our time at Great Divide. The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night," writes Ethan K.
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